Hon. Sir,

John Spilsbury begs you will release him from the agreement for the house as he sold it without the knowledge of his wife; when he got home and told her what he had done she beat him and has been much out of order ever since and he can have no rest night and day about it. Therefore he says he shall ever be bound to pray for you if you will resign the bargain.

I am informed the house is left to his wife for her life and after her death it will be sold and they promise you shall have the first offer of it and John told me he would not sell it to any one but you if he could have his hatful of money for it.

Mr Spilsbury,

I understand you desire to be released from the article you have entered into with me for the house and land near Woodbank because your wife is very abusive about it. You and I had some conversation about these premises near a year ago; and in consequence of it, when I was lately in Staffordshire you came over to me, of your own accord, to offer to sell when we agreed and articled for it. Your wife’s ill behaviour is no reason with me for relinquishing a purchase for the sake only of obliging her.

I went to John Spilsbury with the letter you sent. I found him very uneasy and his wife almost mad on account of the house being sold and begged very much to be excused the delivery of the deeds. I talked to them some time and told them what might be the consequences if they did not.

Provided you immediately comply with this and give me no unnecessary trouble or expense in this affair, I will keep the money, if you like it, in my hands and allow you full interest for it till you can get a good security for it. But I shall not do this on any other terms.

S.R.O. D260/M/T/5/42